Capital plan changes approved by trustees

In the Loop - March 15, 2007

More than $46 million in new projects on the Amherst campus have been added to the University's five-year capital plan with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

The amended plan, adopted March 14, adds five new projects:

• $24 million for construction of a new building with an auditorium adjacent to existing classroom facilities. The project combines previously approved plans for a 500-seat auditorium and an academic swing building to provide space for classes and offices during other building renovations. Campus officials decided to combine the projects after designs for the auditorium exceeded available funds.

• $10.3 million for upgrades of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in Lederle Graduate Research Center, which is now 35 years old.

• $6.7 million to relocate Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences research labs in Stockbridge, Hatch, French and Fernald halls. Academic space in South College is also being moved to provide adequate accommodations in other buildings and improve the safety of the remaining occupants of the building.

• $2.7 million to replace and upgrade electrical service in the Campus Center to comply with building codes and support improvements.

• $2.5 million to replace the electrical room in Campus Center Garage.

Also, the estimate for electrical, plumbing and elevator repairs in the Du Bois Library was revised from $2.5 million to $5 million.